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Executive Update
September 2009
County Executive James T. Smith Jr.
400 Washington Avenue
Old Courthouse Mezzanine
Towson, Maryland 21204
410-887-2450
E-mail Address: jimsmith@baltimorecountymd.gov
Dear Friends of Baltimore County,
As summer begins to give way to fall, children and teachers alike are returning to their classrooms as another school year begins in Baltimore County. While this is a time of excitement and new beginnings for our students, this time of year also serves as a reminder to all of us that our number one priority is, and must always be, education.
First-Rate Public Education
For generations, in schools across our community, the foundation of our County’s success has been built by providing our children with a first-rate public education. The lessons learned in our classrooms have prepared our students to become the leaders, entrepreneurs, innovators, and responsible citizens who have made Baltimore County what it is today. The quality of our schools has anchored communities by drawing new families to our historic neighborhoods. The knowledge and skills imparted to our students has resulted in a workforce that has attracted some of the finest companies in the world to this County.
We know that this success is the result of the hard work of many individuals, but that no one deserves the credit more than our teachers. Baltimore County’s teachers are second to none in the State of Maryland or the entire nation. They do an outstanding job everyday, working long hours to prepare our children for lifelong success.
We understand that teachers have one of the most challenging jobs possible, and in Baltimore County, we are committed to supporting them with the tools they need to succeed.
Major Investments Made
In order to reach their potential, both our teachers and our students need access to classrooms that can meet the needs of a 21st Century curriculum. That is why Baltimore County has made a significant investment in our schools. Working with the County Council, Governor Martin O’Malley, and our legislative team in Annapolis, Baltimore County has invested $1 billion in school renovations and new construction since 2003.
And our investment in education goes beyond the bricks and mortar of new and updated facilities. That is why in this year’s budget we made an important investment in our children’s future by investing in the most important educational resource there is – our teachers. Effective on January 1, 2010, Baltimore County provided a 3.5 percent raise for our teachers, as well as a 2.38 percent raise for principals and assistant principals.
Blue Ribbon Schools
And the results of our many investments are impressive. Earlier this year, one-third of Baltimore County’s high schools were recognized by Newsweek Magazine as being among the finest in the nation. Baltimore County is home to 14 Maryland Blue Ribbon Schools, two of which, Red House Run Elementary and Hereford Middle School, were recognized just two years ago as National Blue Ribbon award winners.
In Baltimore County, we value education and we will do everything possible to ensure the success of our teachers and schools. As we begin this school year, I am confident that our ongoing commitment to education will provide the children of Baltimore County with the brightest future imaginable.
Best wishes,
Jim Smith
Baltimore County Executive
Revised November 2, 2009
Courthouse 